https://climatejournal.news/ en https://climatejournal.news/news/am-i-filling-my-boots-changemakers-battle-with-imposter-syndrome <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Am I filling my boots? Changemakers battle with imposter syndrome</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/am-i-filling-my-boots-changemakers-battle-with-imposter-syndrome" data-a2a-title="Am I filling my boots? Changemakers battle with imposter syndrome"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/mental-health" hreflang="en">Mental Health</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/leadership" hreflang="en">Leadership</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/changemaker" hreflang="en">Changemaker</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/leadership" hreflang="en">Leadership</a></div> </div> </div> <img alt="Am I filling my boots? Changemakers battle with imposter syndrome" title="Am I filling my boots? Changemakers battle with imposter syndrome" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1250.jpg?itok=dxiiGFxf" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3786 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3787 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Imposter syndrome is not a mental health issue but is a strong set of intrusive thoughts and feelings involving getting anxious and not experiencing success internally.</p> <p>Usually, people experiencing this emotional whirlwind are high-performing in external, objective ways. However, they still feel like ‘a phoney’ or a fraud’ and question and doubt their abilities. They are continuously anticipating their fraudulence and inadequacy to come to light.</p> <p>There is added stress with imposter syndrome to keep up the ‘charade’; that time is running out, and they will be uncovered.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3791 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3788 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Generally, imposter syndrome creeps up when you begin to appear publicly or in front of other people.</p> <blockquote> <p>As a leader trying to make change happen, initiate climate action or raise awareness about societal issues, putting yourself out there into the world is part of the deal.</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-3790"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3789 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-greentitle">Some common characteristics of imposter syndrome include undervaluing contributions, self-doubt, and attributing success to external factors.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3792 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>A survey by <a href="https://march8.com/articles/78-of-business-leaders-experience-imposter-syndrome" target="_blank">NerdWallet</a> uncovered that 78 per cent of business leaders experience imposter syndrome, and it causes 59 per cent to consider leaving their role.</p> <p>Sabotaging self-success, constant fear of not living up to people’s expectations, setting unrealistic expectations, and burnout are also known to occur.</p> <p>Burnout enters the equation here because it is very common for people to push themselves too intensely to overcome a sense of incompetence.</p> <p>Slowly, their work becomes more of a chore than a source of passion, purpose, creativity, and meaning because they are burning the candle at both ends.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3795 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3793 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1251.jpg" width="615" height="410" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Imposter syndrome drives anxiety and fear of not being good enough and can easily lead to burnout and mental health issues. Image: Pexels</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3794 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <blockquote> <p>If you are working in the sustainability or social justice space, leading an ambitious project, you’ve probably experienced imposter syndrome before on some level.</p> </blockquote> <p>It is partly because you are not just exposing yourself but have the added challenge of trying to get people to ‘buy’ into your mission and, most likely, your passion.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3796 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>You may think to yourself: ‘Why should they listen to me?’, ‘There is probably someone more suitable to drive them to make these changes’, the list goes on.</p> <p>Imposter syndrome is something I feel regularly and has only intensified since I transitioned from a freelancer to a social entrepreneur by founding <a href="https://www.purposecontentstudio.ie/" target="_blank">Purpose Content Studio,</a> which set out to change the climate narrative. Now, I find myself feeling out of my depth and far outside of my comfort zone.</p> <p>It doesn’t sound so bad when you see the word ‘owner’, but the title ‘CEO’, ‘Founder’, or ‘Director’ definitely causes some uneasiness, particularly for those who do not have the highest levels of self-esteem, like me. I think it is because a lot of pressure comes from these titles.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3800 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--42-58"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-3799"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3797 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-greentitle">Especially when operating in arenas where change is vital, there is real pressure that because you are a ‘changemaker’ or ‘leader’, you must have all the answers and constantly achieve small or big wins.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3803 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Just as many are hesitant to adopt sustainable changes or take climate action for fear they won’t add up to much of an impact, those who suffer from imposter syndrome worry their contribution won’t matter.</p> <p>Like most people reading this, I have put in the time, energy, and hard work to get to where I am today.</p> <p>There’s much evidence to suggest I am wearing the right shoes, but still, my mind needs some convincing, and I worry I need to go up a size and a half.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3804 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Some may even think imposter syndrome is not a big deal, that it has more to do with self-image and esteem.</p> <p>However, research has found that it can impact work performance and relationships, dripping into other areas of your life; in my experience, I’ve found myself suddenly not feeling competent or good enough in other instances.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-3802"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3801 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The premise of imposter syndrome is that you are not good enough, and your current portfolio of achievements is the simple result of luck, leaving you with that little voice in your head of self-doubt despite success – washing away the enjoyment of your achievement.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3805 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Our minds are like sponges, and just as we can recondition to improve our well-being and self-esteem, continuously thinking poorly of ourselves can do the exact opposite.</p> <p>Of course, ‘snapping out of it’, as some would say, is a lot easier said than done.</p> <blockquote> <p>Despite imposter syndrome being incredibly common in the social entrepreneur and impact innovator community, many still feel ashamed to speak openly about experiencing it.</p> <p>In saying that, silence and isolation are what keep these demons kicking.</p> </blockquote> <p>You’d be surprised to learn how many people in your circle are dealing with these exact struggles, feeling inadequate and worthless. In order to deal with imposter syndrome and replace these feelings of incompetence with beliefs of adequacy and greatness, we need to encourage conversations.</p> <p>Imposter syndrome has to stop being a hush-hush topic and be understood as something we all struggle with at some point, reframing it as a signal that it is time for growth and good things are pending.</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">October 2023</div> Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:48:14 +0000 Bronagh Loughlin 280 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/what-makes-changing-the-world-so-difficult <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>What makes changing the world so difficult? </span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/what-makes-changing-the-world-so-difficult" data-a2a-title="What makes changing the world so difficult? "><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin_hover.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_facebook"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/facebook_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Facebook" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/twitter_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Twitter" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/leadership" hreflang="en">Leadership</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/climate-change" hreflang="en">Climate Change</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/changemaker" hreflang="en">Changemaker</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/change-management" hreflang="en">Change Management</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/leadership" hreflang="en">Leadership</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/climate-action" hreflang="en">Climate Action</a></div> </div> </div> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Business" title="Business" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/55.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Sustainability" title="Sustainability" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/52.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img alt="What makes changing the world so difficult? " title="What makes changing the world so difficult? " class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/1034.png?itok=cmb_Tfd2" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="field field--name-field-lead field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Despite having the evidence and realising the need for change to address the grand societal challenges of our time, it is still not happening at the pace and scale you would expect. But why?</div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3049 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3050 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>You can put together a long list of why making change happen is difficult. It is complex and requires more data, discussions, planning, resources, and so on.</p> <p>But one of the simplest and most overlooked reasons is that in order to change the world, we need to first change on a personal level. And this is more complicated than it sounds.</p> <p>Before even moving forward to explore the nature of change, we should take a step back to understand the term better. Based on the definition of Addison-Wesley (1991), <strong>Change is situational</strong>, like a new boss, a new team role, a new policy. While <strong>Transition is the psychological process</strong> people go through to come to terms with the new situation. Change is external, transition is internal.</p> <blockquote> <p>Therefore, whenever we are talking about personal change, we need to look at the process of transition.</p> </blockquote> <p>We deal with infinite changes throughout our lifetime, which can be great or small, anticipated or unforeseen. Whether positive or negative, any transition may mean a period of adjustment. Accepting the new reality is even more difficult if it is unexpected or out of our control.</p> <p>The whole process is problematic because it is a loss of the familiar, and our initial reaction can be one of shock and resistance.</p> <p>In order to understand how people react to change over a period of time, we can draw on the expertise of the Scott and Jaffe Change Grid Model. Cynthia Scott and Dennis Jaffe developed this model and first introduced it in their article, ‘Survive and Thrive in Times of Change’ in 1988. The model, which has been attributed to psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ Five Stages of Grief Model, shows a progression of four stages as people react to change.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3051 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/1035.png" width="927" height="550" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">There are different emotional reactions to each stages of processing change.</div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3052 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The reason for drawing a parallel between change and grief is because letting go of the old is experienced as a form of grieving. Another element to add to the mix of why it is challenging to start change.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-3054"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3053 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The first stage of this model is <strong>Denial</strong>, which can take the form of ignoring the change, downplaying it or acting as if it will never happen.</p> <p>The next stage, <strong>Resistance</strong>, is driven by fear of loss. In this phase, feelings of anger, bitterness and frustration will abound. People will resist moving forward as they don’t believe there is anything to gain from making a change.</p> <p>Eventually, this is followed by the <strong>Exploration </strong>phase, when we have accepted that the change is unavoidable and new methods are finally explored.</p> <p>Finally, the <strong>Commitment </strong>stage is characterised by a focus on the future and a pledge to the new mode of living/operating.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--3055 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>The above mentioned original concept developed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in the 1960’ has been adopted and further elaborated by change management practitioners to help leaders manage people while introducing changes in organisations.</p> <p>The seven-phase transition or change curve is a valuable tool in the hands of modern leaders if they aim to deliver change, create a new status quo and engage their team along the way. This model can also be a powerful tool in understanding the ignorance and resistance to change regarding climate action.</p> <blockquote> <p>Rather than blaming people for their inaction, we can look at ways to help them overcome the challenges associated with the different stages of transition.</p> </blockquote> <p>Since the first humans walked the earth, we as a race have been adapting to and evolving to suit and shape our surroundings. Modern humans survived because we developed a unique combination of physical and behavioural characteristics, many of which other early human species also possessed, though not to the same degree.</p> <p>As we mourn the many losses of the pandemic and face the uncertainty of the climate crisis, it’s natural to fear further upheaval or change.</p> <p>However, whether we want it or not, change is the only constant and living a full life means accepting the challenges along with the celebrations.</p> <p>Challenges offer opportunities for greater connections and growth; from that new vantage point, we can re-evaluate where we want to go.</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">June 2022</div> Thu, 30 Jun 2022 17:02:24 +0000 Sinead Connolly 234 at https://climatejournal.news https://climatejournal.news/news/changemaker-pop-quiz-with-vojtech-vosecky-circular-economy-expert <div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><span>Changemaker pop quiz with Vojtěch Vosecký, Circular Economy expert</span> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climatejournal.news/news/changemaker-pop-quiz-with-vojtech-vosecky-circular-economy-expert" data-a2a-title="Changemaker pop quiz with Vojtěch Vosecký, Circular Economy expert"><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/linkedin.svg" border="0" alt="LinkedIn" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"><img 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src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/email_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Email" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"></a><a class="a2a_dd" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share_hover.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-hover"><img src="/libraries/bsp_social_media_icons_share/service/share.svg" border="0" alt="Share" height="18" class="social-media-links-normal"> Share </a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/circular-economy" hreflang="en">Circular Economy</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/changemaker" hreflang="en">Changemaker</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/interview" hreflang="en">Interview</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Topic</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/topic/circular-economy" hreflang="en">Circular Economy</a></div> </div> </div> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Business" title="Business" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/55.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img width="32" height="32" alt="Circular Economy" title="Circular Economy" class="img-responsive" src="/files/bsp-images/icons/54.svg" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <img alt="Changemaker pop quiz with Vojtěch Vosecký, Circular Economy expert" title="Changemaker pop quiz with Vojtěch Vosecký, Circular Economy expert" class="img-responsive" src="/files/styles/news_full_main_image/public/bsp-images/news/978.jpg?itok=oztDprax" width="687" height="687" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> <div class="field field--name-field-lead field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Thoughts on transforming cities, mindsets and making change happen on the field to mainstream Circular Economy.</div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2888 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2889 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Changemaker Profile</p> <p><strong>Name:</strong> Vojtěch Vosecký</p> <p><strong>Field of work:</strong> Circular Economy</p> <p><strong>Roles:</strong> Associate at <a href="https://www.circle-economy.com/" target="_blank">Circle Economy</a>; Chairman of the Circular Economy Steering Committee at the City of Prague; Co-founder of Institute of Circular Economy</p> <hr /> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2890 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Personal motivation</p> <p>I have always been shocked by how wasteful our society is.</p> <p>I have also wondered how we can have a good quality of life without ruining our planet. We will be 10 billion people in the next 30 years, and we are already seeing the extreme impacts our society has on the local and global ecosystems. I think that a circular economy is one of the essential tools to solve climate change. Back then, when I was still studying, I had this lightbulb moment when I realised that I would spend the rest of my life working with the concept.</p> <p class="font-subtitle">Experiencing change</p> <p>Ten or even five years ago, the Circular Economy was a niche concept. Many people on a corporate or governmental level have never heard about it, not to mention average citizens. We have spent a lot of time explaining the concept, the benefits and the needs.</p> <p>Today, the discussion is very different.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2893 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2891 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Circular Economy is becoming mainstream, and there is tremendous momentum, myriad of solutions, startups, local and governmental initiatives, or jobs opening for circular economy specialists.</p> <blockquote> <p>It is hard to point a finger on why it has changed, but I think that the EU had a lot to do with its <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/circular-economy-action-plan_en" target="_blank">Circular Economy Action Plans </a>and directives that followed.</p> </blockquote> <p>This has set a new and very attractive vision for the whole continent. As the concept matured, it was as if both the business and environmental movements got a new source of inspiration that was appealing from both perspectives. I think a lot of people feel like this has been missing in the debate around climate change.</p> <p>And of course, as the discussion about climate change also advanced, and Circular Economy successfully piggybacked on the whole movement.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2892 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/979.jpg" width="2177" height="3000" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Vojtěch Vosecký, Circular Economy expert</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2894 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">What is missing?</p> <p>Circular Economy is definitely not the new business as usual yet - maybe in sustainability departments of cities, governments and companies, but not in your average local food store. Buckminster Fuller once said that to change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete. We still have a long way to go before we make the linear Economy obsolete. Still, we are starting to see a number of disruptive changes, especially in the mobility and retail sectors.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-2896"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2895 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>It sounds like a cliché, but regulation needs to keep up with the latest trends. It is hard to create products and services that are more durable, repairable, recyclable, and at a competitive price.</p> <p>Linear Economy is still thriving because we were not able to properly account for negative externalities, such as carbon footprint, material toxicity, or the social aspects of global supply chains.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2897 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">Biggest hope</p> <p>I hope the Circular Economy movement will manage to redefine the discussion about purpose and growth and start producing and promoting inherently sustainable solutions.</p> <blockquote> <p>But I am also concerned that the Circular Economy community is avoiding the inconvenient truth about unsustainable consumption.</p> </blockquote> <p>We keep promoting countries like Sweden, Denmark, and The Netherlands as sustainability pioneers, yet if everyone lived like Denmark, we would need five planets to sustain our needs.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2898 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p class="font-subtitle">What inspires you?</p> <p>I love the stories that keep popping up on a city level. For example, in Prague, we have made tremendous progress. I'm passionate about transforming the city of Prague to become a genuine inspiration for adopting Circular Economy principles.</p> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2901 paragraph--width--full paragraph--style--58-42"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column1"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-image paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2899 paragraph--width--full"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="field field--name-bp-image-field field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <img alt="" title="" src="/files/bsp-images/paragraph/980.jpg" width="1008" height="567" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-image-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">One of the projects Vosecký is passionate about is transforming the city of Prague to become a leading exampe of adopting Circular Economy. Image: Unsplash</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="paragraph--type--bp-columns-two-uneven__2col-column2"> <div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2900 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>My favourite story is about the food systems. Food waste prevention campaigns and collection schemes enable us to put valuable nutrients back to the farms in and around Prague. Waste collection trucks can run on the bioCNG, which we will produce from digesting the biomass collected in the city. Farmers now have to abide by eco-certified principles while managing the 500 hectares owned by the town. We have seen a positive spike in biodiversity, amongst other indicators.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2902 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Schools are starting to procure locally sourced and sustainably produced food for children, combined with awareness-raising campaigns. The number of urban farms is also increasing. And it is all part of the same story – closing the biomass loop on a local level.</p> <p class="font-subtitle">Plans for the future</p> <p>I want to keep doing what I am doing: Helping Prague be a regional leader in Circular Economy, advocating for the concept in various venues while supporting the Nordics in becoming a true leader in Circular Economy together with Circle Economy.</p> <p>But the distant plan would be to keep my eyes open for a truly disruptive and scalable circular economy solution available to the whole world. Once I find the right people with the same ideas, I will get to work with the same passion as always.</p> </div> </div> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-callout paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--width--full callout-style--b" id="callout-2904"> <div class="paragraph__column"> <div class="callout-body"> <div class="classy-style--margin-bottom paragraph paragraph--type--bp-simple paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2903 paragraph--width--full" style=""> <div class="paragraph__column"> <p>Read the full interview with more insights in the <a href="https://business-spirit.news/shop/winter-2021-22-edition" target="_blank">Winter 2021/22 issue </a>of the <a href="https://business-spirit.news/profit-with-purpose-magazine" target="_blank">Profit with Purpose Magazine &gt;&gt;</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-background-style field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Background style</div> <div class="field--item">Light</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-sponsored field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field--label">Sponsored?</div> <div class="field--item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden field--item">February 2022</div> Tue, 08 Feb 2022 12:12:01 +0000 Anonymous 219 at https://climatejournal.news